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Medical Plans

Eligible faculty and staff members can choose from seven plan options. Learn more about the options available to you, rates, coverage, and resources provided by each plan.

Eligibility

You must be full-time benefits eligible (37.5 scheduled hours per week) or part-time benefits eligible (at least 17.5 scheduled hours per week) to enroll in medical plans. Shuttle drivers and members of the Campus Police Association must be scheduled to work 40 hours per week to be full-time benefits eligible.

Enrollment Reminders

You must enroll within 30 days of the date you become eligible (i.e., hire date, change in employment status).

You can only make changes during Open Enrollment, or if you experience a qualifying life or family status change. Dependent verification is required.

Medical and prescription coverage go together. If you enroll in medical coverage you must also enroll in prescription coverage, and you must cover the same individuals under both plans.

Medical Plan Options

Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)

Available through UPMC or Highmark

PPO plans give you the flexibility to use in- or out-of-network providers without referrals. A higher level of benefits is provided when in-network providers are used, resulting in lower out-of-pocket costs for you.

High Deductible PPO with Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)

Available through UPMC or Highmark

The High-Deductible PPO has a higher deductible and a lower monthly premium. CMU funds a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) that you can use to help pay for eligible deductible expenses. Once your health care expenses for the year exceed your deductible, the PPO plan begins paying benefits. Unused HRA funds can be rolled over to the following year up to a maximum of three years’ accumulation.

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)

Available through Aetna

HMOs have low out-of-pocket expenses (no deductible or coinsurance) but do not provide benefits if you use out-of-network providers (except in the case of an emergency). Referrals to specialist care and related services are not required in most circumstances.